The White House stated that Joe and Jill Biden are thinking of the Queen as senior members of the Royal Family raced to her side at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where she is under medical monitoring due to health concerns.
The president was briefed on her condition and sent his thoughts and prayers to the next British prime minister, Liz Truss.
“The President has been briefed and will be updated throughout the day on the troubling news about Queen Elizabeth’s health from the United Kingdom,” said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre at the beginning of her press briefing.
John Kirby, the White House spokesperson, stated that the president and the first lady are thinking about the queen and her family today.
During a Thursday morning call with allies to discuss the situation in Ukraine, Biden discussed The Queen with Truss.
‘During a previously planned video conference this morning, the President also emphasized to Prime Minister trust that he and Dr. Biden are thinking about the Queen, her family, and the people of the United Kingdom,’ Jean-Pierre said.
The last time the president and queen spoke was in June 2021, when the Bidens attended the G7 conference in Britain.
On the occasion of her platinum jubilee, Biden lauded The Queen’s “selfless devotion and service” to the people of the United Kingdom.
Additionally, he stated that she reminded him of his mother, a great praise coming from a president who adored his mother.
Biden and The Queen have a lengthy history of service to their country (Biden’s nearly 50 years in public life, The Queen’s over 70 years on the throne), a devotion to their faith (he is Catholic, she is the head of the Church of England), and a love for their families.
Three meetings between the president and the monarch have taken place on British soil.
The Queen has met thirteen U.S. presidents, every president since Harry Truman except Lyndon B. Johnson.
Her visits with American leaders have been emblematic of the “special relationship” between the United States and the United Kingdom.
Above, first lady Jill Biden and President Joe Biden joined Queen Elizabeth II for tea at Windsor Palace in June 2021.
President Joe Biden sent to incoming British Prime Minister Liz Truss his thoughts and prayers for Queen Elizabeth.
After visiting with the Queen at Windsor Palace, President Joe Biden remarked that she reminded him of his mother.
The Bidens also met the Queen in Cornwall in June 2021 during a G7 reception.
In June 2021, while Joe and Jill Biden were in the United Kingdom for a G7 summit hosted by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Biden and The Queen met for the first time.
At the conclusion of the G7 summit, the Queen gave a private tea at Windsor Palace for the Bidens.
She received the Bidens with a Guard of Honour in the outdoor courtyard of the Windsor.
Due of the COVID outbreak, the celebration consisted of a limited parade across the grounds.
After that, President Biden compared Her Majesty to his late mother, Catherine Eugenia Finnegan Biden, also known as Jean.
The president told reporters after the visit, “I don’t think she would find it offensive, but her appearance and generosity reminded me of my mother.”
The future president was raised in Pennsylvania by a devout Catholic mother of four who helped him overcome his early stutter.
She passed away in 2010 at the age of 92, but the president still routinely references her in his political speeches.
She reportedly had a ‘formidable’ impact on the president’s life, joining him on the campaign trail as he ran for the Senate and standing by him after his first wife and daughter were killed in a car accident.
Queen Elizabeth is also noted for her four children and strong faith.
During their tea, the Queen reportedly inquired about Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to the president. He reported that she also inquired about life in the White House.
“The White House could fit in the courtyard,” he reportedly told her, alluding to Windsor Castle.
During the June 2021 meeting, President Biden, who is known for his sensitivity, appeared to offer The Queen his arm to lead her off the dais, but he pulled back at the last second.
President Biden remained close to the Queen as she exited the podium; nevertheless, it is against protocol to touch the Queen.
Jill Biden, The Queen, and President Joe Biden attended the Windsor Guard Parade.
President of the United States Joe Biden walks alongside Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle while a guard salutes.
Queen Elizabeth II poses with G7 leaders in Cornwall during their June 2021 summit: (from left to right) German Chancellor Angela Merkel, European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, Queen Elizabeth II, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, President of the European Council Charles Michel, and United States President Joe Biden.
At their June meeting, the Bidens joined the Queen on the quadrangle dais, and the Queen’s Company of the First Battalion Grenadier Guards conducted a Royal Salute.
Biden was accompanied by the Officer Commanding the Guard of Honour, Major James Taylor, and Major General Christopher Ghika during an inspection of the Guard of Honour.
The day was so brilliant that the president donned his customary aviator sunglasses at one point.
During the meeting, President Biden, who is known for his sensitivity, appeared to give The Queen his arm so that he might lead her off the dais.
However, he appeared to retreat at the last second. As they moved off the platform, the president held his hand close to the Queen’s back in violation of decorum.
The Bidens had also met the Queen the day prior, when she attended a banquet in Cornwall for G7 leaders.
In a reception line at that event, the first couple spoke with the Queen. The assembly appeared joyful, with both members of the first pair and the king or queen exchanging big smiles. In addition, the Queen posed for a socially distant photograph with international leaders.
According to the White House, Biden previously met Queen Elizabeth in 1982.
The president has discussed his administration for Queen Elizabeth. In June, to commemorate her 70 years on the British monarchy, he hailed her’selfless commitment and service’ to the British people.
The first couple shared a video greeting on their social media platforms in honor of her Platinum Jubilee.
In the greeting, President Biden remarked, “Congratulations on your Platinum Jubilee.” People have been inspired by your unselfish devotion and service to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth for seven decades. During your reign, the United Kingdom-United States connection has been stronger and closer than ever before.’
Jill Biden added, “Over the years, the joy your travels to the United States have brought to the American people and your sympathy with the American people in times of grief have strengthened the camaraderie and profound bond between our countries. And Joe and I were so moved by your generosity and hospitality when we visited you at Windsor Castle during our first foreign trip as President and First Lady last year.’
Tuesday at Balmoral, Scotland, the Queen waits in the Drawing Room before receiving Liz Truss for an audience. Currently, she is under the care of doctors due to health problems.
A statement regarding the Queen’s health is extremely rare and raises significant worries.
In Scotland, members of the Royal family have gathered at the Queen’s side.
Prince William, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and Prince Andrew have arrived in Balmoral. Prince Harry is his route to the Queen’s Scottish home from London. His wife, Meghan, stayed in London.
Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, was also photographed in Windsor picking up George, Charlotte, and Louis after their first full day at their new school.
In an extraordinary statement regarding the health of the 96-year-old monarch, Buckingham Palace characterized the Queen as ‘comfortable’ after physicians inspected her this morning, hours after she was urged to rest.
The physicians’ declaration regarding the monarch’s health is extremely rare and indicates that the situation is grave. And specialists say it’s even more worrisome because her entire family is either already with her or on the way.
On doctors’ recommendation, the Queen postponed a Privy Council meeting on Wednesday at the last minute.
Tuesday was a busy day for Queen, as she received both Boris Johnson and Liz Truss at Balmoral, where Johnson resigned as prime minister and HM invited Truss to form a cabinet.
On Tuesday, the Queen was seen smiling and alert, but nonetheless fragile, using a cane and displaying significant hand bruises.